An apparatus includes a navigational guidewire and a connector assembly. The navigational guidewire includes a sensing element, an outer member, and a conductor. The sensing element is configured to respond to positioning within an electromagnetic field. The conductor is in communication with the sensing element. The connector assembly is configured to couple the navigational guidewire with a navigation system. The connector assembly includes a body and a ferrule. The ferrule is coupled with the body. The navigational guidewire is coupled with the ferrule. The ferrule is rotatable relative to the body to thereby enable rotation of the navigational guidewire relative to the body.